Ansley Moving forward
Est. 1886, current population 461
Ansley, Neb., located in southeastern Custer County at the junction of Sandhills highways 2, 92 and 183, was surveyed and established in Custer County Nebraska in 1886 along the Grand Island and Wyoming Central railroad (now known as the Burlington Northern/Santa Fe). Ansley was named for Eliza J. Ainsley who invested in real estate there and purchased the town site from rancher Anthony Wilkinson.
The community rapidly grew following the influx of people from neighboring communities, correlated to the growth of the railroad. Ansley was the first Nebraska town west of Grand Island to own a power plant and water system. The Ansley Electric Light and Power Company was incorporated September 20, 1882. Ansley’s waterworks company was organized and its facilities completed in 1893. The Municipal Light and Power System was completed in 1911. The plant is still in operation today and capable of providing electric service to the entire community in emergency conditions.The volunteer fire department has been active since 1895.
Downtown Ansley is located along Main Street between Railroad Street and Cameron Street. A number of successful businesses and the new municipal auditorium, featuring two meeting rooms and a spacious kitchen, are currently located in downtown Ansley. In addition, the community is served by the Ansley Township Library and a post office.
The oldest running business in Custer County, Ansley Lumber & Supply, initially opened its doors in 1886. Since that time, ownership has changed hands but the business has remained. In March 2016, Brian and Heidi Beaumont took over and expanded across the street for their showroom. They help folks that are looking to build or remodel with ideas, visuals and samples. They have added vendors, updated delivery and point
of sale resources as well as inventory. They are a key component of building a future for the community.
Aside from running a business, the Beaumont’s realize the importance of being a part of community improvement. They have donated labor and supplies to numerous revitalization projects in Ansley including paint for murals and playgrounds. They led the charge on the 1% city sales tax that has greatly improved infrastructure in the town, especially improving the streets.
When grant funding fell through for a potential development project that would improve housing in Ansley, Brian and Heidi gathered a group of like-minded investors and started the Ansley Investment Group. Brian coordinates the construction process. Local labor is used as much as possible. House number four is currently in the works near the high school and there are lots being prepared for two more duplexes when it is completed. The semi-custom homes allow the buyers to control interior paint and countertop selection.
Having local funding that doesn’t rely on grants or external sources means that quality homes can be built to address the local housing shortage, thereby encouraging young families to return to the community. Heidi believes, “The excitement to return to Ansley is contagious. Good things are happening here!” There are also 20 units of low
rent housing available in town.
At one time Ansley was home to eight churches, four now serve Ansley: First Baptist, United Methodist, Christian, and Fundamental Baptist. The oldest barber in Custer county is still operating four to five afternoons a week in downtown Ansley along with numerous other businesses.
Community pride revolves around the Ansley Public Schools, home of the Spartans. Fully accredited by the State Department of Education, Ansley Public Schools are housed in modern facilities offering a curriculum and activities that help prepare students for the challenges of the 21st century. Before and after school child care is available at no cost to district patrons. The Spartan Foundation has been instrumental in getting and providing grant funds for local projects including the walking trail, playground equipment and the backpack food program for youth in the community.
Recreational activities in the community include two parks and the city operated swimming pool. Square Pegs Park is located in North Ansley. The Ansley Village Park sits off of Highway 2, surrounded by Lake Ansley. Recent lake renovations have improved fishing, provided handicap accessible fishing ramps and made boat access easier. The Village Park features lighted facilities, new team dugouts, and bleacher seating. There are two fenced playground areas, two covered picnic shelters, basketball and tennis courts, camping facilities, an enclosed picnic shelter and a walking path.
Ansley’s various civic and church organizations unite annually to plan and organize the all-area celebration, the Muddy Creek Festival, in early June. A parade, food stands, a night concert and games in the park are a few of the highlights of the three day celebration which will take place in late June, 2023. Check their facebook page for details.
When the oldest business in your community is a lumber yard, it just makes sense that it’s a good place to start if you want to continue to build up your community and construct things people need to make a good life in Ansley.